MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat

Chapter 351 Mending Hearts

The door creaked open.

Joey walked inside, his nerves tense.

A short pause let him hear the faint sounds coming from the kitchen.

He took a deep breath and walked toward where the noise was coming from.

Ashley was stirring a pot by the stove when he got there.

Her attention was on the food, and she moved slowly and quietly. Joey thought for a moment before moving closer.

The thought what happened earlier was still heavy on his mind.

He grabbed her from behind and pulled her into a soft hug without saying a word.

"I'm back," he said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I should take over."

She gave him a quick look back and then nodded. "Thanks," she said in a low voice as Joey took the spoon from her.

While he stirred the pot, there was quiet. The sound of the food bubbling filled the space between them.

Joey turned around quickly as Ashley moved toward the doorway, ready to leave him alone.

"Ashley, wait."

She stopped mid-step, turning to face him.

Joey set the spoon down and walked over to her.

He reached for her hands, holding them firmly but tenderly.

His eyes searched hers, filled with sincerity and regret.

"Look, I'm sorry about earlier," he began, his voice steady but soft. "I was frustrated, and I shouldn't have let it out on you. You didn't deserve that. I'm sorry."

Ashley's expression softened, her lips curving into a small, understanding smile.

She stepped closer and kissed him lightly, her touch warm and forgiving.

"I know," she said quietly. "I'm sorry too."

For a moment, the tension melted away as they stood there, holding each other.

.

Damon started with the basics, guiding Svetlana through foundational techniques, explaining each move and its purpose.

She was a quick learner, adapting her natural strength and balance from Muay Thai to the intricacies of grappling.

As they trained, Damon talked to her about his earlier meeting with Joey, sharing the details of their conversation and the concerns his friend had opened up about.

It wasn't a emotional conversation, just Damon letting Svetlana into a part of his day, trusting her with the things that weighed on his mind.

Svetlana listened as they practiced, her focus split between the moves Damon showed her and the story he shared.

It was clear that Joey's struggles had left a mark on Damon, and while he didn't dwell on it, Svetlana could sense his quiet determination to help.

Their training continued, each moment a mix of technical focus and personal connection, strengthening not just their skills but the bond they shared.

Damon lay on the mat, his back pressed against Svetlana as she locked in the beginnings of a rear-naked choke.

Her legs wrapped around him as she worked to position herself properly, the movement deliberate and controlled.

"I just want to help, you know?" Damon admitted, his tone heavy with thought. "Not only are they both my friends, but Joey is like a brother to me. My best friend. But I don't know how to actually help."

Svetlana adjusted her position, wrapping her legs carefully around Damon to secure the choke.

She leaned forward slightly and kissed the side of his head, her voice soft but firm. "Sure you know how."

Damon grunted as the choke tightened. "Not so tight," he muttered, tapping lightly at her arm.

Svetlana chuckled and loosened the hold just enough. "How?" he asked, still unsure.

She sighed, shifting slightly but maintaining the lock. "Joey's studying media, right? Journalism or something like that?"

"Yeah, something along those lines," Damon replied, frowning as he tried to piece her thought together.

"Well," Svetlana continued, her tone thoughtful as she leaned closer, "don't you need someone to manage your media accounts? Promotions, interviews, scheduling? That's a lot of work, and you could use someone who knows what they're doing."

Damon froze, the struggle against the choke momentarily forgotten.

Her words hit him like a switch flicking on in his brain.

He stopped moving entirely, his mind racing with the possibilities.

"That's... actually a really good idea," he murmured, more to himself than her.

Svetlana smiled, her hands loosening the choke completely as she leaned back to meet his gaze. "You know Joey. He's smart, driven, and he's been working hard for years. Give him something he can sink his teeth into, something that uses his skills but doesn't make him feel like he's taking charity. Help him help himself."

Damon turned his head slightly, his lips quirking into a small smile. "You're smarter than you look, you know that?"

Svetlana laughed, shoving him lightly as they untangled from the mat. "Is that suppose to be a compliment?"